ISLAMABAD - Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday said that he was "certain" about the general elections being held within the next three to four months.
The prime minister, when asked in an interview with a private television channel, about his strategy if any future scenario demanded an extension in the caretaker setup, he said as per the legal arrangement they would move to the electoral process within three to four months.
“I think within few months... few months can be translated into three, three-and-half or four...that needs to be seen...this will conclude and we will go to the electoral process,” he commented.
Asked again whether he expected the general elections to be held within four months, he replied, “I am not (just) hopeful (rather) I am certain.”
He said considering the limited time, his government was mulling to prioritize certain policy issues to at least lay a foundation for any future government to enable that to carry forward the journey.
To a question, the prime minister explained that even after the expiry of the term, the President of Pakistan could continue in his office till the election of his replacement. However, the Senate chairman would fill the slot, in case he voluntarily gives up the office.
Coming to the issue of electricity bills, the prime minister said the government was coming up with short and mid-term solutions including the planning to convert the oil-based power plants to run on local coal.
Besides, the process for the privatization of one or two power Discos will also be finalised soon which would help curb power theft through the introduction of new technology, and would also attract investment.
He said besides power Discos, the privatization of some important state-owned enterprises was also being processed.
Regarding the sugar price hike, Prime Minister Kakar said the government had asked the provinces to activate the price control committees and that the hoarders would be cracked down.
The prime minister said through the legislation, the previous government had empowered the caretaker setup which necessitated them to act differently from the normal caretaker setup.
The prime minister told the interviewer that the Special Investment Facilitation Council had been formed as a forum to address the concerns impeding the investment projects.
He said Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain had sent proposals and due diligence was being done which would follow the signing of formal agreements by November or December.
He said the level of commitment by civil and military leadership and bureaucratic energy would help attract the investment as in the past, the fear of NAB inquiries created an environment of indecisiveness.
To a question, the prime minister said the government and the military had a very comfortable working environment.
He said that besides the army chief, he along with the finance minister had also had a detailed sitting with industrialists in Karachi and was also planning to hold a similar meeting in Lahore. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday directed the authorities to establish a monitoring system at irregular border crossings to prevent smuggling in the country.
He was chairing a meeting to discuss measures for discouraging smuggling and promoting trade through legal channels. He was given a detailed briefing by the Ministry of Commerce.
PM Kakar was informed about proposed plans to enhance exports volume, besides possible steps to curb smuggling. Different modalities of trade under the Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement were also reviewed. It was recommended to improve the system for scanning and monitoring of the traded goods.
Also, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday directed to present the detailed plan with regard to the restructuring of PIA to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) as soon as possible.
Chairing a high-level meeting regarding Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) here, the prime minister also directed to take measures to further improve the air connection of remote areas with other cities of the country. He said the flight timings of PIA should be fixed according to the convenience of the passengers.
PIA is an important national institution that has provided splendid air services in the past and earned a positive image across the globe, he said adding that PIA was considered one of the best airlines in the world. He asked the aviation division and the PIA management to work day and night to regain the past glory of the airline.
The meeting was told that the recent amendment in the PIA Act 2016 had paved the way for the restructuring of PIA.
Caretaker Minister for Finance Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Advisor to PM Ahad Cheema and other officials attended the meeting.